Chapter 117: First Lesson: Don't bully the Weak

After dusk.

Many in Konoha were aware that Akihara Kagura had become a disciple of Jiraiya.

Hokage Tower.

Shimura Danzo took the initiative to meet with Sarutobi Hiruzen.

This leader of the Root subtly sensed Sarutobi Hiruzen's intentions.

"Do you want Akihara Kagura to become a candidate for Hokage?"

Shimura Danzo strongly opposed this idea, presenting his compelling evidence: "Do you know how deep that kid's scheming runs?"

Shimura Danzo felt somewhat embarrassed recalling this: "That kid, clearly an orphanage child, pretended not to recognize Yakushi Kabuto and Yakushi Nono upon entering the Root, deceiving me into trusting him!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen stared intently at Shimura Danzo, his face showing faint signs of anger: "At that time, you should have allowed this child to enter the Ninja Academy, not the Root!"

Had Akihara Kagura entered the Ninja Academy at that time, instead of being influenced by Shimura Danzo, he wouldn't have become such a troublesome child and might have already inherited Konoha's Will of Fire, becoming a worthy successor!

"That kid... that kid..."

Shimura Danzo was so filled with hatred he could hardly speak.

Due to truly losing an eye, Shimura Danzo's eye socket throbbed faintly.

"Danzo..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Shimura Danzo, shaking his head and sighing: "If it weren't for you, that child could have already been confirmed as the future of Konoha..."

"If it weren't for me..."

Shimura Danzo clenched his teeth, unable to finish his sentence.

If it weren't for him, that kid would have had no chance to return to Konoha and would have forever become a test subject for Orochimaru!

However...

Shimura Danzo couldn't.

Shimura Danzo still needed Orochimaru's help to realize his dream of obtaining Wood Release.

Now, having lost the Sharingan and even seeing another Mangekyo Sharingan taken away right before his eyes, he could only plot to acquire another Mangekyo Sharingan while continuing to covet the possibility of mastering Wood Release.

"Hiruzen."

Leaning on his cane, Shimura Danzo uttered his final words: "I understand the darkness that child has experienced better than any of you. He does not have the potential to become Hokage; he is best suited to be a tool..."

"Darkness is not to be feared."

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Shimura Danzo, calmly expressing his view: "I only hope Jiraiya can dispel his darkness and let him see the light."

After Sarutobi Hiruzen finished speaking, he continued, "Danzo, there's no need to disparage Kagura in front of me. That child still harbors the so-called 'Will of the Root' in his heart, wishing to protect Konoha in the shadows. Such thoughts shouldn't be his..."

"Danzo."

"Your influence on him is too great."

Towards the end, Sarutobi Hiruzen's dissatisfaction with Shimura Danzo was almost unmasked.

"Then let him return to the Root!"

Shimura Danzo, looking at his old friend, whispered, "That kid can also realize that the Root is where he belongs! In the future, I could even make that child the next leader of the Root. He's more suitable than Uchiha Itachi!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen almost burst into laughter out of frustration.

If you remove the Uchiha clan from the equation, Akihara Kagura is destined to be the strongest ninja in Konoha, even his ninjutsu holds a legacy for the ninjas of Konoha!

To send such a ninja to the Root...

Has Shimura Danzo's mind truly aged?

Does he really think that Konoha's geniuses are as plentiful as stars, easily replacing Akihara Kagura?

Or is it that Shimura Danzo himself wants to take the Hokage position and has never changed his covetous thoughts towards it, thus trying every means to eliminate other Hokage candidates!

"You need not trouble yourself with this matter!"

"Hiruzen, you will regret this."

Shimura Danzo stood up, leaning on his cane.

"Danzo, I am the Hokage."

Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't show any intention of seeing him off.

After Shimura Danzo spoke, he pushed open the office door and walked out, slamming the door behind him and coldly said, "I will never just watch that kid take the Hokage position. He's merely a successful experiment..."

Konoha Orphanage.

After his shift, Kabuto Yakushi returned here.

Yakushi Nono was still helping the orphanage children with their paper box crafts.

Kabuto Yakushi casually mentioned that Akihara Kagura was leaving the village for training but didn't reveal that Akihara Kagura was a disciple of Jiraiya, fearing that Yakushi Nono would worry about Akihara Kagura being exposed.

"I'll go ask for a safety charm for him."

Yakushi Nono has always wanted to make amends to Akihara Kagura.

Both Yakushi Kabuto and she herself knew that this was merely a form of emotional solace.

Taking advantage of Yakushi Nono's absence, Yakushi Kabuto summoned a small white snake and reported to Orochimaru that Akihara Kagura had become a disciple of Jiraiya.

Karin's home.

This little red-haired girl with glasses hugged her shoulders, curling up and leaning against the wall.

Compared to others, Karin was more sensitive. She roughly understood why Akihara Kagura specifically informed her and Naruto about this.

Perhaps, this time Akihara Kagura would leave the Konoha Village for a long time.

Naruto's home.

This little guy was holding a "Tale of Gutsy Ninja" book, snoring and drooling in his sleep, sweetly.

This gift from Akihara Kagura, which Naruto received unexpectedly, made him immediately realize the preciousness of the book. He felt he was very similar to the protagonist, as their names were exactly the same, all being Naruto.

Hatake Kakashi's home.

Next to Hatake Kakashi was a copy of "Icha Icha Paradise".

However, this Anbu ninja was not flipping through his favorite book. Instead, his hands were constantly coming together, with a dark Flying Thunder God Seal floating continuously in his palm. He was still diligently practicing the Flying Thunder God Technique.

Hatake Kakashi slapped the Flying Thunder God Seal onto the floor of his home, creating a huge Flying Thunder God Seal on the ground.

Hatake Kakashi looked at the seal, which could be regarded as a Flying Thunder God Formation, and felt a slight headache.

"I can't be worse than my kouhai, can I..."

Hatake Kakashi reopened his palm, attempting to condense the Flying Thunder God Seal again: "If Kagura follows Lord Jiraiya to train, who knows how much he will surpass me when he returns..."

Naka Shrine.

Uchiha Obito was still hiding here.

The real body of White Zetzu always felt somewhat uncomfortable, feeling occasionally as if Shimura Danzo was targeting this place.

When the real body of White Zetzu spoke, he would always subconsciously lower his voice: "By the way, today Awei brought a message, that kid Kagura is leaving the Konoha Village to go out and train with Jiraiya..."

"Hmph, I knew that kid was unreliable."

Uchiha Obito frowned, focusing only on what he wanted to do: "It seems our spy planted in the Konoha Village won't be of any use for the time being..."

Anbu Dormitory.

Akihara Kagura lay on his own bed.

White Zetzu Awei emerged from the ground, revealing his upper body.

"Young man, can't you really take me with you this time?"

"It might put you in danger."

Akihara Kagura shook his head, unwilling to agree: "I might be taken by Teacher Jiraiya to some strange places. The ninja world is so magical, there are always some people with unique abilities. If they sense your presence, it could put you in danger."

"I could claim to be someone sent by Obito to monitor you..."

White Zetzu Awei's head was indeed quite clever, immediately coming up with a solution.

"That's actually a good idea."

After pondering for a while, Akihara Kagura felt that this reason was somewhat impeccable.

"Awei."

Akihara Kagura, recalling the moment he climbed to the rooftop of the Hokage building and heard Jiraiya mention wanting to bring back Orochimaru, suddenly sighed: "We should present Lord Orochimaru with a gift..."

"What gift?"

White Zetzu Awei nodded thoughtfully.

"To make Lord Orochimaru cherish his bonds."

Akihara Kagura sighed deeply and continued: "The Third Hokage wanted Teacher Jiraiya to teach me, aiming to nurture me into the future Hokage. So, I should learn the Hokage's mindset and make more people cherish their bonds..."

"..."

White Zetzu Awei still couldn't understand the use of bonds.

Because this White Zetzu had human intelligence but lacked human emotions.

To it, its life resided in the Gedo Statue, until it was summoned to accompany Akihara Kagura, gradually beginning to feel that it had a purpose, as it was always mentioned together with Akihara Kagura as "us" or "you."

"By the way."

"Lord Orochimaru has joined the Akatsuki, so some of his laboratories must be unattended..."

Akihara Kagura seemed to suddenly remember something and continued: "You go find an unused laboratory and secretly collect some easily obtainable Kekkei Genkai. I happen to possess a transformation technique from Orochimaru. I have a brilliant idea..."

"Okay."

White Zetzu Awei did not yet know what that brilliant idea would be.

"However…"

White Zetzu Awei expressed his confusion: "Do you plan to stay with that person named Jiraiya all the time?"

"Only for a while."

Akihara Kagura seemed to have a certain understanding of Jiraiya and continued, "I guess it won't be long before the two of us can't stay together anymore. He will go off to find some fun and leave me alone to train!"

The next day.

At the entrance of the Konoha.

Jiraiya and Akihara Kagura met here.

Jiraiya had secretly observed Akihara Kagura yesterday and thought that Akihara Kagura was not just simply extreme, so his impression of this young one improved a lot.

"First, let me show you the joys of life."

Jiraiya took Akihara Kagura to a small town near the Konoha, treated him to a big meal, and then took him to a hot spring bath.

"The life of a ninja isn't just about fighting and killing..."

Jiraiya's body soaked in the hot spring, enjoying the warmth of the steam wrapping around his body, and closed his eyes contentedly: "There's also a life that allows one to experience leisure and comfort."

"Lord Danzo mentioned that ninjas should not covet external pleasures..."

Akihara Kagura frowned, seeming still somewhat unaccustomed, but still tried to learn from Jiraiya and lay down.

This was the first lesson Jiraiya intended to teach Akihara Kagura. Due to Akihara Kagura's personality, Jiraiya planned to first let this child forget the hatred and battles between ninjas and to get a taste of the human world.

"Eh heh?"

"Shi shi shi..."

"Don't splash it on me..."

A silvery female voice came from the neighboring hot spring bath.

"Shh..."

Jiraiya suddenly put up a finger, signaling Akihara Kagura not to speak.

This tall, white-haired man and his disciple had not spent half a day together before he showed his true colors, immediately climbing out of the hot spring, casually draping a towel around himself, and carefully walked over to the partition wall between the male and female hot spring baths.

"Hehehehe..."

A strange giggle suddenly came from Jiraiya's throat.

"..."

Akihara Kagura fell silent for a moment.

As a student, Akihara Kagura really couldn't blame his teacher.

Akihara Kagura climbed out of the bath, wrapped himself in a towel, returned to the dressing room to change into his clothes, and notified the owner of the hot spring inn.

Akihara Kagura sat at the café opposite the hot spring inn and causally ordered two pear juices.

Half a minute later.

Jiraiya, wrapped in a towel, made a dash for it.

A group of elderly ladies working at the hot spring inn chased after him with brooms, beating him vigorously!

It wasn't until Jiraiya ducked into a small alley, looking utterly disheveled, that the group of elderly ladies, seemingly unable to see him with their blurry eyesight, reluctantly returned to the inn.

"Teacher Jiraiya, why didn't you use ninjutsu?"

Akihara Kagura looked at the disheveled Jiraiya, first handing him a cup of pear juice, then started his knowingly naive questioning: "Even a basic physical technique could have dealt with them, or a clone technique to escape their pursuit…"

"Humph, anyway, I escaped…"

Jiraiya's mouth curved into a confident smile as he took the pear juice, sipped through the straw, and continued his lesson: "Kid, a ninja's talent isn't measured by the amount of ninjutsu they know, but by their perseverance. And one should not use these abilities to bully the innocent…"

This was the second lesson Jiraiya intended to teach by seizing the moment.

Ninjas are never supposed to lord over others due to their strength, nor should they bully the weak with their power.

After all, Akihara Kagura, his student, was too strong and never feared the powerful.

"Besides, the most important thing is, this time, the first to make a mistake was you, Teacher Jiraiya, right?"

Akihara Kagura nodded and continued: "I think I understand. I want to learn Teacher Jiraiya's perseverance. I notified the mayor of this town about a peeper. Teacher Jiraiya, please escape without using any ninjutsu or physical techniques under the encirclement of the entire town…"

"After finishing this pear juice, people from the town will come over…"

"Teacher Jiraiya, I'll be waiting for you at the top of the mountain outside the town…"

Akihara Kagura raised his hand towards the mountain in the distance, his body gradually turning into a wooden sculpture. Suddenly, a group of townspeople kicked the sculpture aside, holding various cleaning tools, and slowly surrounded a bewildered and stunned Jiraiya.

"Wait… wait a moment…"

Jiraiya called out, hoping to have a good talk with Akihara Kagura.

If Jiraiya had inquired just a bit more from his teacher, the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen, he might have had the chance to know that even Sarutobi Hiruzen had to prove the value of the Hokage by reluctantly treating the kid to two bowls of ramen…

Night.

The moonlight is bright.

On the mountain top outside the small town.

Akihara Kagura leans against a tree, sleeping sweetly with his head bowed, though his lips are a bit dry.

"Kid…"

A white-haired man, his face covered in bruises and swollen, is in a disheveled state, almost unrecognizable.

This white-haired man is Jiraiya. To convince his disciple, Jiraiya did not use his chakra and was chased and beaten by the villagers of the small town, barely making it to this mountain.

When Jiraiya reached the top of the mountain, he still chose not to use his chakra, but stubbornly climbed to the top with his physical strength, to the side of his disciple, Akihara Kagura, wanting to use this opportunity to continue teaching the brat.

Just as Jiraiya was about to reach out his hand without using chakra, trying to push the sleeping Akihara Kagura.

A cup of pear juice was pushed towards Jiraiya's hand.

"You little devil…"

Jiraiya immediately became energized, tearing open the packaging and gulping down the sweet pear juice! "I only bought two cups of pear juice."

Akihara Kagura seemed not to have drunk any water, his voice a bit hoarse, softly saying: "In the afternoon, I asked Teacher Jiraiya to drink a cup of pear juice, and this cup has been left here untouched, also reserved for Master Jiraiya."

"Why didn't you drink it?"

Jiraiya, looking at the empty cup, felt a mix of emotions.

"Because it was meant for Teacher Jiraiya."

Akihara Kagura shook his head, giving a somewhat strange answer: "I wanted to use this cup of pear juice, meant to quench my own thirst, as a gift for Teacher Jiraiya's victorious return, perhaps because I hope my teacher is a ninja who can do what he says…"

"If a teacher can do what he says…"

"Then all the words he said, and the lessons he wanted to teach his students, should be believed by the students."

"I will remember this lesson from Teacher Jiraiya, no matter how powerful the ninja techniques I master in the future, I will not use my power to bully the innocent."

"…"

Jiraiya was somewhat shocked in his heart.

It was supposed to be him teaching this child, yet he was touched by the child's actions.

This child…

Might really be the child of prophecy!

"Alright."

Jiraiya looked at Akihara Kagura in front of him and spoke seriously: "Then, let me heal properly tonight, and tomorrow I will formally teach you cultivation, letting you witness the true power of the Toad Sage of Mount Myoboku!"

~~~

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